Iranian Strike Destroys U.S. E-3 Sentry at Saudi Base, Injuring 12

Overview

• An Iranian missile-and-drone strike hit Prince Sultan Air Base on Sunday, destroying a U.S. E-3 Sentry and injuring at least 12 service members, including two in serious condition.
• AFP-verified photos show the radar plane split in two on the runway after the attack.
• The E-3 Sentry is an AWACS radar aircraft that directs air operations and tracks threats far from the front, and each jet is valued at about $270 million.
• Defense analysts say the loss could create a temporary hole in U.S. monitoring, forcing greater reliance on fixed ground radars that see less and cover shorter ranges.
• The Wall Street Journal reports refueling tankers at the same base were also damaged, reflecting a weeks-long Iranian campaign striking U.S. assets across Gulf bases.